|
Pediatric Neuropsychology
Service
(for Children with Severe Learning Problems)
Goal of Service
The primary goal of this service is to provide state of the art
neuropsychological evaluation and diagnosis of disorders of higher cortical
functioning involving language, perception, learning, memory, and attention
in children six months through 16 years of age. Typically this includes
children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Learning Disabilities and
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity disorder, as well as neurological disorders
such as Epilepsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Brain Tumor, Stroke and other
disorders that affect learning and behavior. The results of this evaluation
will be used to develop recommendations for intervention. These
recommendations can be implemented by special education professionals within
the child’s local school system, or by private special education
professionals, speech/language therapists, occupational therapists, and
physical therapists.
A secondary goal is the development of research programs designed to explore
various questions pertaining to disorders of learning and memory in
children.
Director
Morris J. Cohen, ED.D.
Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Dr. Cohen is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist in the section of Pediatric
Neurology at the Medical College of Georgia. His primary appointment is in
the Department of Neurology (Professor) with joint appointments in the
Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry. In addition, Dr. Cohen holds
adjunct faculty status in the Department of School Psychology at the
University of Georgia. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of
Neuropsychology and the American Psychological Association - Division 40 (Neuropsychology).
Dr. Cohen's research interests include neuropsychological functioning in
children with Developmental Dyslexia, Specific Language Impairment,
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as children with
Epilepsy. Further, Dr. Cohen is keenly interested in the study of learning
and memory disorders in children and has authored the Children's Memory
Scale (1997). This assessment instrument is published by the Psychological
Corporation, A Harcourt Assessment Company.
Referral Process
Referrals will be accepted directly from the following:
-
Physicians
-
Psychologists
-
School Systems
-
Parents
Parents who would like their child evaluated should discuss
a referral with one of the above professionals. Health professionals and
parents may contact Dr. Cohen through the toll-free Medical College of
Georgia Consult Line,
1-800-733-1828
or contact the Health Care Referral Center at (706) 721-CARE (2273).
Upon initiation of a referral, the following will be sent to the parents:
-
Parent questionnaire
-
Release of school records form
-
Parent and teacher behavior rating scales
-
School report form
The requested information will be returned to Dr. Cohen who will review the material and evaluate the appropriateness of the referral. An appointment for evaluation will then be scheduled.
Evaluation Process
- Neuropsychological evaluation to be conducted by Dr. Cohen
and staff
- Consultation with parents including:
-
Review of test results
-
Review of recommendations
-
Plans for follow-up, if needed
A written report including diagnostic findings and
recommendations will be provided to the parents and any other agencies or
professionals so designated (in writing) by the parents or guardians.
Sources of Payment
-
Private insurance carriers
-
Medicaid
-
Private payment
Pediatric Neuropsychology Service
Medical College of Georgia
Children's Medical Center, BT-2601
1446 Harper Street
Augusta, Georgia 30912-3255
Office: (706) 721-0267
Fax:(706) 721-5238